5 good driving habits to prevent car accidents
1. Be a feather-feet driver
By respecting speed limits you’re not only avoiding a ticket and demerit points, but you’re also doing your part to help make roads safer for everyone.
2. Stay Zen
Give yourself enough time to get where you’re going—you won’t have to worry about arriving late and there will be less temptation to exceed the limit. When you can avoid rushing, there’s less risk of an accident and you’ll burn less gas.
3. Keep your distance
From other cars
Drive defensively and be aware of the other cars on the road. Always keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This gives you more time to react, so you won’t have to brake suddenly.
From heavy vehicles
Heavy vehicles have longer braking distances and wider blind spots than passenger vehicles. If there’s a heavy vehicle behind you, put your turn signal on well in advance and leave extra space for the driver to brake safely.
4. Slow down when taking a turn
Always respect the speed displayed on the road signs when taking a turn. This will reduce the risk of losing control of your vehicle.
5. Yield the roadway to pedestrians
Look out for crosswalks and stay alert when approaching an intersection. Remember to show some courtesy to pedestrians who need to cross the road.
Crosswalks
Stop as soon as you see a pedestrian step into a crosswalk or if they look like they’re about to cross. For example, they could be waiting on the sidewalk in front of the crosswalk, waving in your direction or making eye contact with you.
Intersections
Stop your vehicle before the stop line and give priority to pedestrians. Note that pedestrians have the right of way at intersections where a right turn on a red light is permitted.
Adopt good habits and benefit from it
Car insurers often reward safe drivers by offering discounts and lower premiums, as well as user-based insurance programs.
File a claim after a car accident
If you’re insured with us, you can file your auto claim online at any time or call us to speak to a claims advisor in Ontario or Alberta at 1-888-785-5502 or in Quebec at 1-888-776-8343.
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These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and Desjardins Insurance cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.
